The Mindful Mug

Big things started happening after that festival. Like, properly life-changing things. So buckle in and welcome to my crazy life.

It Started in My Kitchen

I’m a huge fan of Ren. Honestly, his music got me through some dark times. I’ve always said if I ever got the chance to see him live, snap, I’d be there.

One random afternoon, I was stood in my kitchen when a notification popped up — I’m subscribed to Ren, of course. Secret Garden Party were offering discounted day tickets using a code. Something in the air just aligned. I checked the train times. Easy journey.

I was in the right place, at the right time. I bagged a discounted day ticket to see Ren. Absolutely buzzing.

The FOMO That Wasn’t

Then my high dipped a little. I’d already booked a holiday with my aunt and the kids — I thought I’d double booked. FOMO kicked in hard. I was glued to my phone, checking for updates, convincing myself I’d messed up again and was about to lose money to yet another event I couldn’t attend.

I’m honestly elite at doing that.

But the universe came through. I posted in a group, and it turned out I had the dates wrong (classic me). The festival was the following weekend. I could actually go. The plan was simple: go see Ren, then head home.

The Set Times Drop — And So Does My Plan

I waited. I even emailed Ren’s team to ask what time he was playing. The set times didn’t drop until the Friday — the day before.

And boom. He wasn’t just doing one set, but two. Finishing at around 11pm. No chance I was catching a train after that. How could I tear myself away?

Thankfully, SGP were absolute legends and announced that day ticket holders could stay overnight — as long as we had a tent.

Enter My Festival Angel

Now, I’m shocking with names and even worse at texting people back, but I’m working on it.

Anyway, someone at the festival saw my post. They had a spare tent and were more than happy to lend it to me. Just like that, I was sorted.

The excitement was unreal.

More Good News — Then a Twist

To top it off, I got offered a supervisor role at Co-op. Two hours after the interview. They told me to wait a few weeks for the start date. I was buzzing.

Then someone pissed on my bonfire. That someone? My (now ex) partner. That weekend, I ended the relationship. It was just… too much.

That Weekend Changed Me

SGP was something else. The energy, the people, the art, the freedom — it was everything. I met the most amazing people. I found my tribe. I felt like I could wander off anywhere and still know someone would be around.

And yes, I met Chinchilla. And I met Ren. Did I embarrass myself? Absolutely. Thank God I didn’t record it. He’s not a fan of cameras in his face anyway, so I was lucky there.

It was one of the best weekends of my life. I went alone, and it turned into a proper adventure. I came out of that field with a whole new mindset.

Then Came the Storm

Not long after, my younger siblings moved in with me. It was chaos. I made the decision to cut my stepdad out of my life for good. I had to turn down the job at Co-op after months of chasing it.

Square one again.

I graduated, no job, nothing lined up. Behind the smiles of my graduation photos is a family that is falling apart. So much unsaid. My mum wasn’t their either. It was a bit shit but the most important people were there ❤️

The Turning Point

Then something magical happened. One soggy, stressful day, I was being evicted. I felt overwhelmed and ready to break. My best friend called. She offered to come round. At first, I said no — trying to be strong. But something told me, say yes.

That tiny decision changed everything.

We ended up stumbling across this tiny café, tucked away just off the high street. We followed a little hand-painted arrow to the door.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

From Chaos to The Mindful Mug

A lot has happened since then, way more than what I can share now.

I have bolted so many hurdles, learned how to cope with life in my own way, and every part of that journey has led to me starting The Mindful Mug.

The most beautiful thing is… I’m still learning. I’m still building. And I’m finally creating something I dreamed of years ago…a space born from the shit I’ve survived, a place to help others do the same.

I’ve been through hell. Like, properly. Some of my stories need a trigger warning. But I think it’s finally time to start sharing.

Because if my mess helps even one person get through theirs it’s worth every moment.

Want to stay in the loop or join me at The Mindful Mug? You’re always welcome.